The symptoms of heartburn and indigestion can mimic those of angina. The burning sensation that starts behind or directly below the breastbone (sternum) is heartburn, but pains to the chest, which are caused by a lack of blood flow to the heart is definitely angina. The sensations can be very similar, but it’s very important to be able to tell the difference.
Medical attention is required for Angina, as it can be a sign of a heart attack or an indication that you have a heart disease. Heartburn, is rarely an urgent matter in mild cases and does not generally require medical attention. Whilst it’s inconvenient and uncomfortable for those who experience it, heartburn is not serious. Frequent episodes can lead to more serious conditions over a long period of time. Ulcers, caused by stomach acid can develop in the esophagus along with esophageal cancer which has been attributed to frequent heartburn sufferers.
Heartburn Symptoms – What Does Heartburn Feel Like? And How Long Does Heartburn Last?
The best way to describe heartburn, is that you will feel a burning sensation either in the middle of the chest or direcly below the breastbone. This burning typically responds to antacids and it doesn’t radiate to the arms or shoulders, although the pain can travel up the neck. The regurgitation of food, a salty or sour taste in the mouth is also a symptom of heartburn as it causes acid to build up in the body.
The cause of heartburn is down to the malfuntion of the lower esophageal sphincter. Differentiating between the pain of angina and that of heartburn is important, but to do this you need to understand the physiological process behind each. The contents of the stomach are prevented from travlling up the esophagus by the lower esophageal sphincter, as this acts like a lid. Stomach acids can leak out into the esophagus if the sphincter does not close properly. This in turn creates the burning sensation that is classic to that of heartburn.
Angina Symptoms
Angina is pain in the chest, less like a burning, that frequently radiates down the arms and into the shoulders. Pressure and tightness of the chest is also another feeling that is associated to angina. Lightheadedness, dizziness and shortness of breath may also accompany angina. These symptoms are a definite sign between angina and heartburn and will help you to distinguish the difference.
Patients experiencing angina may experience heartburn or indigestion as a symptom. You could be suffering from something more serious if you have symptoms other than heartburn, as it’s very rare that heartburn will be the only symptom of angina.
A stressful situation or an emotional outburst can result in an angina attack. While stress is said to be a contributing factor to heartburn as well, angina can be identified if it immediately follows a highly stressful situation and comes on suddenly.
Visit our website to learn more about differentiating heartburn and angina symptoms, so you can take proper control of your health.
Print This Post
You must log in to post a comment.